Latest Fire Recovery News

Oliveira is providing once-a-week updates on re-entry for four consecutive weeks, starting this week.  To date, the EPA had completed the removal of hazardous material at 300 properties in Kula and Lahaina. The official website, www.MauiRecovers.org, launched this evening to provide vital information and assistance, including re-entry data, to those affected by the destructive fires that started Aug. 8 on Maui.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced on Tuesday a “vehicle replacement program,” but neither the rental car companies nor Maui auto dealerships seem to know anything about it.

In an effort to support Native Hawaiian families impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires, the trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have approved $5 million to aid in disaster recovery.

Hawaiʻi residents who registered for FEMA assistance for the wildfires that began sweeping across Maui Aug. 8 will receive a determination letter from FEMA. In some cases, the letter may say you are ineligible for assistance. FEMA advises that this is not a denial.

The Maui Humane Society was granted restricted access on Aug. 26, 18 days after the destructive wildfire swept through Lahaina. Maui Humane Society CEO, Lisa Labrecque, DVM, shared the challenges, obstacles, and ongoing efforts to provide help in the wake of Maui’s wildfire disaster. Her open letter to the Maui community is posted here.

Hale Makua Health Services announced the establishment of an Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by emergencies or disasters like the Maui wildfires last month.

In support of those affected by the tragic and life-altering fires on Maui, Jack Johnson announces Songs For Maui, a live benefit album featuring Hawaii’s own Paula Fuga and John Cruz. The album is digitally available on Sept. 15. On Sept. 18, Johnson and his band will perform an intimate benefit concert at The Republik in Honolulu, along with special guests Paula Fuga and John Cruz. All proceeds from the Songs For Maui album and The Republik show will benefit fire relief efforts and help provide ongoing support for Maui. Tickets go on sale Sept. 8.

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the impact of the deadly fires on Maui last month and underscoring the need for continued federal support in the months ahead.

There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 55 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort, now transitioned from shelters to local hotels. 

Activated from the first moments of the Maui fires on Aug. 8, 2023, The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort.

Kaiser Permanente now has two mobile health vehicles (at Nāpili Park and the Royal Lahaina Hotel) and one first aid station (at the Hyatt Regency Maui) providing care on Maui.

County of Maui restrictions, triggered by fire evacuation orders Aug. 8, were lifted on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, for two West Maui parcels: Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., and Walgreens, 342 Keawe St.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. is announcing a vehicle replacement program for survivors of the Maui wildfire disaster, as an option toward recovery. The governor has worked with Avis Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Hertz to make additional vehicles available for purchase. Interested individuals can visit https://Hertzcarsales.com, or for Avis Budget or Enterprise, reach out to any local Maui automobile dealership for more details.

The Maui Police Department released the name of another victim from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Police today confirmed the identity of: Louise Abihai, 97, of Lahaina.

Upcountry Strong is distributing one solar bag per household member while supplies last at its headquarters located at the Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center. The location is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Hawaiian Electric has suspended service disconnections so all Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about their electric service.

There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 54 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. Food and supplies will be distributed to West Maui residents at Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. The selection and quantity of items will be reduced in preparation for a move to a new location at Kahana Gateway, 4405 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. On-site mobile health vehicle.On-site mobile health vehicle.

Advocates of the current service say “flaws” in the new contract would diminish the Emergency Medical Services systems, and called the diminished standards “grossly irresponsible,” “negligent” and “profoundly hurtful” in the wake of the worst mass casualty in Hawaiʻi’s modern history.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has completed work on 197 parcels as part of Phase 1, to remove hazardous material, including large pieces of asbestos, from the 5-square-mile burned area from the Lahaina fire.

Restrictions for late-night vehicular access into West Maui via Honoapiʻilani Highway have been lifted. The Maui Police Department will continue to cite and tow vehicles parked at the Lahaina Bypass, where no-parking signs are posted.